Mirror Neurons, the Development of Empathy and Digital Storytelling

Citation:

“Mirror neurons, the development of empathy and digital storytelling,” presented to the REA/APPRRE annual meeting, Toronto, ONT, Canada, November 2011.

Abstract:

Presentation to the REA/APPRRE annual meeting, Toronto, ONT, Canada, November 2011: This paper explores the intersection of work in media education, religious education, concerns about digital cultures’ impact on human relationality, and the possible role that mirror neurons might play in the development of empathy. Digital storytelling – particularly as embodied in the work of the Center for Digital Storytelling (http://www.storycenter.org), and the Storytelling as Faith Formation project (www.storyingfaith.org) – is proposed as a mechanism within which to foster mirror neuron development, and thereby provide one promising route for deepening empathic learning within religious education.